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Advent Calendar, a Christmas Tradition in France
The Advent calendar is a Christmas tradition with German origins, dating back to the 17th century. It is quite popular in France but was not very common in Brazil until recently.
Advent Calendar
The Advent calendar counts the days from December 1st until Christmas in a special way. One of its main functions is to help curb children's impatience until the big day.
The practice of marking the days of December leading up to Christmas was common in German-speaking countries since the 17th century. At that time, pre-capitalism, families would light a new candle or hang a new saint's image on the walls each day.
Legend has it that the medical book publisher Gerhard Lang from Munich was the first to sell an Advent calendar in 1908. It was a simple calendar printed with 24 colored drawings.
Over the years, the calendar was developed, and by 1958, we arrived at the current model: a box with 24 'doors' that hide surprises, which are opened one by one until December 24th.
Obviously, the industry and commerce embraced the idea.
Nowadays, there are Advent calendars from a variety of brands (from Clarins to L'Occitane, from Kinder Egg to the most famous French chocolatiers) and themes (chocolates, beers, teas, toys, beauty products, etc.).
Despite these calendars being available for purchase, many parents still make their family's Advent calendar.
Inside each
there may be images or religious teachings related to Christmas; ornaments for the tree, which is gradually decorated; small gifts; etc.
Also Read About Christmas in France
- Christmas Traditions in Some Regions of France
- Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte Castle
- Where to Have a Good Christmas Lunch in Paris
- Christmas Markets in Paris
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